An alliance of community, labour, faith and education groups is holding a public forum on the transit referendum today in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side (DTES). The Metro Vancouver Alliance is mobilizing for the Yes side, and will focus on the benefits of better transit for people with lower incomes at this forum.

“I get left behind by overcrowded buses, and it may not be that long before I need HandyDART,” says Reverend Dr. Vikki Marie of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Tonantzin Community who lives and works in the Downtown East Side. “Even if people who use services in the Downtown East Side had the money for cars there is nowhere to park, we need better transit now.”

The Our Lady of Guadalupe Tonantzin Community is one of several Metro Vancouver Alliance member groups located in the Downtown East Side.

“Lower-income people need better transit to access services, food, and jobs. And everyone would benefit from a Yes vote for public transit,” says Maria Robinson, Metro Vancouver Alliance spokesperson. “You can’t ignore the cost of air pollution and climate change.”

Spokespeople will be available for interviews before and after the forum.